MACI FAQs

Who earns a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

Professionals in teaching, training, administration, and curriculum design. Students earn this degree for the purposes of professional advancement and to develop stronger educational and leadership skills. Teachers with a master's degree are also able to pursue teaching positions as adjunct instructors at many colleges.

We can accept as many as nine credits from an accredited institution. The first three should be in an area of education appropriate to the student's profession. Additional credits must match the 31 M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction core courses closely. All transferred courses must be approved by the program administration and documented with official transcripts and course syllabi. Only A and B letter grades will be accepted. Students must have completed the courses within the last five years.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Yes. The following emphases are offered: Master Educator, Instructional Technology, Corporate Education, Online Teaching and Learning, Online Course Development, and Special Education. See the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Options page for more information.

What is a practicum?

In contrast to a traditional master's thesis where students present the results of original research, the practicum is a combination of theory and practice. This includes an original instructional design of a curriculum for a specific target audience. The practicum is a three-credit semester-long course.

Can I earn an emphasis with the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

Yes. The following emphases are offered: Master Educator, Instructional Technology, Corporate Education, Online Teaching and Learning, Online Course Development, and Special Education. See the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Options page for more information.

Will I earn a teaching license with the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

No. The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree is accredited by North Central Association but it does not lead directly to licensure with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). However, students in the Licensing Program for Educators (LPE) take 15 M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction credits toward the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree. Alternative Licensing Program students take 15 M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction credits toward the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree. Alternative Licensing Program Special Education students take 24 credits toward the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree. Early Childhood Education students take 3 credits toward the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree.

Is the program accredited?

All of Colorado Christian University's programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program is also endorsed by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Visit our Accreditations page for details.

What is required to apply? Are there prerequisites?

Read about specific admission requirements for the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program. An applicant must have a valid bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The candidate must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The grade point average minimum may be waived in certain situations. There are no specific prerequisites for the program.

Will I have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The GRE will be required if the student's undergraduate grade point average is lower than 3.25. The GRE requirement may be waived for students with a GPA of 3.25 or above. (Proof of completion of a post-baccalaureate class with a passing grade of B or better, at a regionally accredited university may be substituted for the GRE score under some circumstances.) Final decisions to waive GRE scores are determined by the CCU Graduate Committee. Read more about the GRE test and other admission requirements for the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program.

How much does the program cost?

View current tuition and fees for the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program.

Is financial aid available?

See our Financial Aid site for detailed information about financial aid and payment options for graduate students. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are also encouraged to check with your employer about additional tuition benefits that may be available through your company.

When may I start the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program?

A student can typically start classes as soon as the application process is complete and acceptance has been granted into the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program. For students taking classes in the Denver Metro area, there are numerous start times per year. CCU's satellite centers offer hybrid schedules beginning as often as classes fill up throughout the year. (Hybrid schedules allow students to take some courses on campus and others online.) Online coursework for the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program is offered continuously throughout the year depending on demand.

Where and when are the classes offered?

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction classes are generally offered online and at CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies centers in Colorado; however, you should ask your enrollment counselor for the current course schedule. Classes typically meet every other weekend; i.e., Friday night from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Online classes run for seven weeks and in-seat classes run for five weeks.

Can I take more than one class at a time?

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction students are strongly discouraged from taking more than one class at a time because the program's accelerated format makes it difficult to meet expected academic standards under such circumstances. Before students may register for overlapping classes, they are required to meet with the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Director.

What if I have to miss a class?

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction is an accelerated program and missing any part of the class sessions is strongly discouraged. Each course consists of six four-hour sessions. If one session or part of a class session is missed, the instructor may assign make-up work. This work is due as specified by the instructor. Make-up assignments are at the discretion of the instructor, but usually consist of a written assignment (or assignments) based on additional articles, books, or other research sources. A make-up assignment and/or missing class time may affect the final course grade. A student who misses one session cannot earn a grade of A. If a student misses two or more sessions the course must be repeated.

Can I complete the program entirely online or will I have to attend classes?

Students may choose to complete their M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction coursework entirely online, attend classes at one of CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies centers, or take a combination of classroom-based and online courses through a hybrid schedule.

May I take classes both in the classroom and online formats?

Yes, a student may attend classes either online or in a classroom as they are available to complete the degree. However students should ensure that their online and classroom-based courses do not overlap.

What are graduate certificates? Who would want to earn one of these certificates?

A graduate certificate is advanced study in an area of specialty leading to helping individuals and employees enhance their skills to the extent that the training results in positive growth for the individual or organization. CCU offers graduate-level certificates in conjunction with the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree. Each certificate program consists of four three-credit courses for a total of 12 credits toward your master's degree. See the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction Program Options page for more information.

How do I apply for a certificate program?

Students applying for a graduate certificate may go through the same application process as a graduate degree-seeking student. Students may also apply for a graduate certificate as a non-degree seeking student.

Can I combine a certificate with a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree?

A student can earn the required 12 credits for the certificate and continue on to earn an additional 22 credits for a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction degree with an identified area of emphasis.

By submitting this form, I agree to be called by or on behalf of CCU using an automatic telephone dialing system at the phone number provided on this form. All calls placed will be regarding educational services. Consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. CCU may also contact me via text or email.

Connect with CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies:

Read more about the College of Adult and Graduate Studies student experience on our CAGS Blog!